Serving 277 students in grades 9-12, Cardinal High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 52% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 277 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 8%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cardinal High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Cardinal High School's student population of 277 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 29% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
277 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
1957
School Calendar
School Motto
We are Cardinal
School Rankings
Cardinal High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cardinal High School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1051 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
4%
13%
Black
2%
7%
White
92%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
42%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardinal High School's ranking?
Cardinal High School is ranked #1051 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Cardinal High School often compared to?
Cardinal High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ottumwa High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Cardinal High School?
The graduation rate of Cardinal High School is 95%, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend Cardinal High School?
277 students attend Cardinal High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Cardinal High School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cardinal High School?
Cardinal High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Cardinal High School offer ?
Cardinal High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Cardinal High School part of?
Cardinal High School is part of Cardinal Community School District.
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